When does it make sense to develop your own solution using C#?

Whenever standard functions from the PLC or HMI are not sufficient—for example, for custom interfaces, data connections, analyses, or proprietary service tools.

PLC & HMI programming

Q: Which control systems does MEMBRAFLOW work with?

We primarily use SIEMENS controllers—ranging from SIMATIC S5 and S7-300/400 to the latest S7-1200 and S7-1500 models. Engineering is performed using TIA Portal, STEP 7, and STEP 5, depending on the age and specifications of the system.

Q: Does MEMBRAFLOW also handle on-site commissioning?

Yes. We support the entire process, from programming through commissioning to training the operating personnel—including safety checks and documentation.

Q: Does MEMBRAFLOW also offer remote maintenance and support after commissioning?

Yes. We offer maintenance plans, remote maintenance, and on-site service. This ensures that your system remains stable and available throughout its entire lifecycle.

Q: Does MEMBRAFLOW operate internationally as well?

Yes. Our systems are in use worldwide, so we understand the requirements of different markets and have extensive experience implementing multilingual HMI interfaces.

Stable control and clear visualization for your systems.

Challenges in PLC and HMI programming

In automation, the quality of the software determines the performance of your system. Errors in the PLC Programming or confusing visualizations quickly lead to downtimes, inefficient processes or operating errors.

At the same time, the requirements for data connection, safety and ease of operation are constantly increasing, while specialists with the necessary SIEMENS know-how for TIA Portal and WinCC Unified are in short supply.

Typical challenges are

Lack of internal capacities for PLC Programming with TIA Portal
confusing or outdated HMI interfaces
Expiring support for older systems such as WinCC flexible or ProTool
Integration problems between machines, systems and IT systems
Long downtimes for adjustments
Lack of standardization and documentation

Our services in PLC and HMI programming

PLC Programming

Customized programming for your systems and processes.

HMI visualization

Clear user interfaces with WinCC Unified, WinCC and TIA Portal.

Migration & modernization

Conversion from STEP 5, STEP 7 or ProTool to current systems.

System integration

Connection to databases, MES and ERP systems.

Customized software with C#

Special solutions where standard functions are not sufficient.

Commissioning & Safety Check

Support up to the running system including safety inspection.

The basis: electrical design and switch cabinet construction

A clean software solution is always based on well thought-out hardware. Structured electrical design and a cleanly manufactured control cabinet form the basis for a stable PLC Programming.

If you would like to have your system planned holistically, you will find the right information here.

Why MEMBRAFLOW?

In practice, the biggest challenges do not arise in the programming itself, but in the coordination between systems, machines and processes. We make sure that control and visualization interlock seamlessly - with a clear structure, well-established processes and a central point of contact.

Less coordination. Fewer mistakes. More stable processes.

What this means for your project:

Clean SIEMENS programming with clear documentation
Central point of contact instead of interface ping-pong
Stable integration into existing plants and IT systems
Quick adjustments for extensions and changes
Industry-proven in the process industry, food and maritime

Individual PLC programming with SIEMENS controllers

Each system places different demands on the control system. That is why the PLC Programming individually tailored to your processes and workflows. Modular, structured and documented.

As a standard supplier, we rely on SIEMENS and work with the standard engineering environments, depending on the system age and specification.

Control Systems:

Engineering environments:

Typical applications:

Facts and figures

Current systems under remote maintenance

% fail-safe controls

programmed PLC controls

Clear HMI visualization for safe operation

Clear and intuitive visualization is crucial for the safe operation of your system. Operators must be able to understand processes quickly, recognize faults immediately and control systems reliably.

We develop HMI interfaces with a sophisticated look-and-feel graphic interface that displays process sequences schematically and shows system statuses and process data in real time. An integrated fault diagnosis tool reduces downtimes and noticeably increases the availability of your system.

Systems used, depending on specification, customer requirements and system age:

What our HMI surfaces can do:

Intuitive operation of even complex machines
Schematic representation of process sequences
Real-time display of system components and process data
Archiving for continuous process optimization
Fast fault diagnosis to minimize downtimes

Migration of old control and HMI systems

Many existing systems are still running with STEP 5, STEP 7, ProTool or WinCC flexible. As SIEMENS support for these systems is coming to an end or has already ended, modernization is becoming a mandatory task for many operators. For reasons of both availability and spare parts.

We migrate existing programs to TIA Portal and WinCC Unified in a structured manner without having to completely redesign the system. Existing know-how is retained and the system becomes future-proof.

Typical migration paths:

STEP 5 / STEP 7 → TIA Portal
ProTool / WinCC flexible → WinCC Unified
Older Comfort Panels → SIMATIC HMI Unified Panels

For a complete system upgrade involving hardware replacement and control cabinet modification, you will find here the relevant information.

Customized software solutions with C#

The PLC controls the system. C# supplements where standard functions from the PLC or standard visualization reach their limits.

Typically when a special interface, an individual evaluation, a dedicated service tool or a connection between the PLC and the Windows world is required. For example, to transfer data and commands from a Windows application to the PLC.

Typical areas of application:

Individual interfaces between the system and IT
External tools and special solutions
Data connection, evaluations and reporting
Supplementary operating or service applications
User interfaces for all safety-related functions, with the actual safety logic remaining in the F-PLC

Your added value:

Customers, who trust MEMBRAFLOW

For reasons of confidentiality, it is not possible to list all our customers.

Standards, safety and safety check

Proper programming is the basis for safe system operation. With the final safety check, we ensure that all safety-related functions work reliably even in the event of a fault.

Relevant standards:

Safety check at the end of the project: Functional testing and targeted fault simulation of all safety-relevant components - including proof of the performance level achieved and full documentation.

Talk to our automation expert

Lukas Freiburg

Managing Director / Head of Automation

Frequently asked questions about PLC and HMI programming

Which control systems does MEMBRAFLOW work with?

We primarily use SIEMENS control systems - from SIMATIC S5 to S7-300/400 to the current S7-1200 and S7-1500. Engineering is carried out with TIA Portal, STEP 7 and STEP 5, depending on the age of the system and specification.

Which HMI systems does MEMBRAFLOW program?

We work with TIA Portal, WinCC Unified, WinCC, WinCC flexible, ProTool/Pro and process control systems such as SIMATIC PCS. For new systems, we generally recommend WinCC Unified on SIMATIC HMI Unified Panels.

Can existing programs be adopted and modernized?

Yes, we analyze, optimize and migrate existing programs to the latest systems. For example, from STEP 7 to TIA Portal or from WinCC flexible to WinCC Unified.

Does MEMBRAFLOW also handle on-site commissioning?

Yes, we accompany the entire process from programming and commissioning to training the operating personnel - including safety check and documentation.

Does MEMBRAFLOW also offer remote maintenance and support after commissioning?

Yes, we offer maintenance concepts, remote maintenance and on-site service. This keeps your system stable and available throughout its entire life cycle.

When does it make sense to have your own solution with C#?

Whenever standard functions from PLC or HMI are not sufficient. For example, for individual interfaces, data connections, evaluations or your own service tools.

Does MEMBRAFLOW operate internationally as well?

Yes, our systems are used all over the world, so we are familiar with the requirements of different markets and are experienced in implementing multilingual HMI interfaces.